Quick change vehicle trailer hitch adapter

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/993,921 filed on Sep. 14, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to vehicle trailer hitch adapters and, more particularly, this invention relates to a vehicle trailer hitch adapter that allows vertical adjustment of the trailer hitch ball relative to the towing vehicle chassis and further allows connection of a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, when a towed trailer is not level relative to a towing vehicle or road surface, the load carried by such towed trailer may not remain secure. This condition can cause the trailer to make wide-angled turns, and possibly, jackknife, if traveling at a high enough speed. Not only would this condition be dangerous to the driver towing the load, but for other drivers and pedestrians as well. The problem is especially felt by the owners and operators of medium-sized trucks that are tasked with frequent coupling and uncoupling of trailers in order to tow various loads and/or equipment to and from job sites.

Prior to the conception and design of the present invention, efforts have been made to alleviate difficulties in trailer leveling. U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,094 issued to Sellers, U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,113 issued to Rosenlund, U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,488 issued to Massey, U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,553 issued to Van Vleet, U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,813 issued to Kravitz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,647 issued to Clavert and U.S. Pat. No. 3,400,949 issued to Kendall disclose various hitch coupling devices for adjusting the vertical position of the trailer hitch ball. However, it has been found that such prior art devices have greater than desirable complexity and are thus characterized by a greater than desirable cost. Furthermore, it has been found necessary to improve resistance of such hitch coupling devices to lateral movements during use.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes an elongated member disposed on a predetermined portion of a rear end of such towing vehicle and extending in a vertical direction during use of the apparatus. Apertures are formed through the elongated member in a horizontal direction and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. There is means for securing the elongated member in the vertical direction directly to such predetermined portion of such rear end. There is also means for adjustably securing such hitch coupling of such towed vehicle to the elongated member, wherein such hitch coupling of such towed vehicle is releaseably fastened to the adjustably securing means.

In another aspect, the invention provides a trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a base member having a pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces. There is also an elongated member being one of secured to an opposed one of the pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces and formed integral with the base member. The elongated member extends in a substantially vertical direction during use of the apparatus. The elongated member has a top end thereof generally aligned with a top edge of the base member. Two elongated recesses are formed in the opposed one of the pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces substantially parallel to the elongated member. Each recess is disposed in close proximity to a respective side of the elongated member. First mounting apertures are formed through the base member in alignment with each elongated recess and are further aligned with threaded apertures provided in a portion of a rear structure of such towing vehicle. The first mounting apertures are sized for allowing passage of fasteners thereto to releaseably secure the base member in a substantially vertical plane to such portion of such rear structure of such towing vehicle. One of the pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces of the base member abuts such portion of such rear structure. A pair of spaced apart second mounting apertures is formed through the base member generally parallel and in close proximity to the top edge thereof. First height adjustment apertures are formed through the elongated member in a horizontal direction and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. There is a plate-like member that has a pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces. A pair of flanges being one of secured substantially perpendicular to one of the pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces of the plate-like member and formed integral therewith. Each of the pair of flanges extends in the vertical direction and is spaced from an opposed flange at a predetermined distance for slideably receiving the elongated member therebetween. At least a pair of second height adjustment apertures is provided. Each second height adjustment aperture is formed through a respective flange in alignment with one another, whereby the at least a pair of second height adjustment apertures is aligned with a selected one of the predetermined plurality of first height adjustment apertures for receiving a locking pin therethrough. Threaded mounting apertures are formed through the plate-like member for releaseably connecting, with threaded fasteners, such coupling of such towed vehicle to an opposed one of the pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces of the plate-like member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus that enables vertical adjustment of the towing vehicle hitch coupling.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus that has higher resistance to lateral forces present during use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus that is economical to manufacture.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus that is simple to install.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus that is easily retrofittable onto vehicles presently in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus that is simple to use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved trailer hitch apparatus that does not require use of special tools to install and use.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a side elevation view of a hitch apparatus of the present invention for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a front elevation view of the apparatus of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with hitch coupling and its mounting member removed for clarity;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention along lines III-III of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>; and

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an alternative attachment of the apparatus of the present invention to the towing vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its presently preferred embodiment, herein depicted within <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 through 4</figref>. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

The present invention provides an improved trailer hitch apparatus <b>30</b> for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling <b>10</b> of a towing vehicle <b>2</b>. The present invention is illustrated and described in combination with medium-sized trucks employed in commercial applications for hauling small or medium-sized storage trailers, lawn care supplies, off-road vehicles and other pieces of heavy equipment. By way of examples only, such medium-sized trucks may be of the type manufactured under C4500 brand by General Motors Corporation of Detroit, Mich. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that the present invention may be applied to other vehicles, including passenger vehicles, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus <b>30</b> of the present invention.

Reference is now made, to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, wherein there is shown a trailer hitch apparatus, generally designated as <b>30</b>, for connecting a hitch coupling (not shown) of a towed vehicle (not shown) at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling <b>10</b> of a towing vehicle <b>2</b>, which is partially illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>. To help the reader in understanding structure and operation of the apparatus <b>30</b> of the present invention, hitch coupling <b>10</b> on medium-sized trucks <b>2</b> has four (4) through apertures <b>12</b> so that it can be attached with fasteners <b>14</b> to a rear portion of such towing vehicle <b>2</b>. On medium-sized trucks <b>2</b>, such rear portion is generally a substantially planar rear frame surface <b>6</b> of the truck frame <b>4</b>. Furthermore, the rear frame surface <b>6</b> has four (4) pairs of vertically spaced threaded apertures or bores <b>8</b> that receive threaded portions of the fasteners <b>14</b>. Thus, the hitch coupling <b>10</b> is attachable in two positions conventionally known as high and low positions.

The apparatus <b>30</b> includes an elongated member <b>32</b> that extends in a vertical direction during use. The elongated member <b>32</b> has each of a predetermined length and a predetermined cross-section and is formed from a predetermined material. The presently preferred material is metal and, more particularly, steel, although other materials capable of withstanding the towing rigors are also within the scope of the present invention. The presently preferred elongated member <b>32</b> has a pair of generally planar side surfaces <b>34</b>, and preferably, all side surfaces of the elongated member <b>32</b> are substantially planar. The presently preferred cross-section of the elongated member <b>32</b> is a solid square to meet the towing rigors, although use of the hollow elongated member <b>32</b> is also contemplated in the present invention. The presently preferred length of the elongated member <b>32</b> is about nineteen (19) inches providing for proper ground clearance and adjustment range when installed on such medium-sized trucks <b>2</b>.

The apparatus <b>30</b> further includes a predetermined plurality of apertures <b>38</b> formed through the elongated member <b>32</b> in a horizontal direction and spaced apart in a vertical direction when the elongated member <b>32</b> is secured to the vehicle <b>2</b>. It has been found that spacing apertures <b>38</b> at about one and one quarter (1.25) of an inch from each other optimizes number of adjustment positions and maintains structural integrity of the elongated member <b>32</b>.

There is means, generally designated as <b>40</b>, for securing the elongated member <b>32</b> to such rear frame surface <b>6</b> of the truck frame <b>4</b>. Such securing means <b>40</b> may be at least one and, preferably a pair of welds <b>42</b>, best shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Alternatively, such securing means provide for the elongated member <b>32</b> being formed integral with the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of the truck frame <b>4</b> which may be advantageous for new vehicles. In the presently referred embodiment of the invention, the securing means <b>40</b> provides for releasable attachment of the elongated member <b>32</b> and includes a plate-like base member <b>44</b> having a pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces <b>46</b> and <b>48</b>. The base member <b>44</b> is positioned generally vertical with one of such pair of substantially planar surfaces <b>46</b> and <b>48</b>, referenced as <b>46</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 3</figref>, abutting the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of truck frame <b>4</b>. The elongated member <b>32</b> is disposed on an opposed surface <b>48</b> and is rigidly secured to the base member <b>44</b>. The elongated member <b>32</b> may be secured in any one of the conventional methods including but not limited to welding, machining, casting, molding or forging process. Thus, the present invention also contemplates that the elongated member <b>32</b> may be provided integral with the base member <b>44</b>. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide the base member <b>44</b> as a pair of flanges, each affixed to and extending outwardly form a respective side of the elongated member <b>32</b> and further forming a generally planar surface therewith, particularly, when the elongated member <b>32</b> and the base member <b>44</b> are provided integral with each other. The top end <b>36</b> of the elongated member <b>32</b> may be aligned flush with a top edge <b>49</b> of the base member <b>44</b>, as best shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>.

The presently preferred securing means <b>40</b> further includes a predetermined plurality of apertures <b>50</b> formed through the base member <b>44</b> and aligned with mounting apertures <b>8</b> provided within the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of truck frame <b>4</b>. The apertures <b>50</b> are sized for allowing passage of operative portions of fasteners <b>51</b> thereto in order to releaseably secure the base member <b>44</b> in a substantially vertical plane to the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of truck frame <b>4</b>. Such fasteners <b>51</b> may be the original fasteners <b>14</b> securing the hitch coupling <b>10</b> or substantially equivalent thereto. For the sake of clarity, only one (1) fastener <b>51</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and two (2) fasteners <b>51</b> are shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Thus, the apparatus <b>30</b> of the present invention provides for ease of attaching the elongated member <b>32</b> to the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of truck frame <b>4</b> without the use of special tools.

The securing means <b>40</b> additionally includes a pair of elongated recesses <b>52</b> formed in the opposed one of the pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces of the base member <b>44</b>. Each of the pair of elongated recesses <b>52</b> is disposed substantially parallel and in close proximity to the elongated member <b>32</b>. The apertures <b>50</b> are then formed through the base member <b>44</b> in alignment with a respective elongated recess <b>52</b> so that the end surfaces of the heads of the fasteners <b>51</b> are disposed flush or below the surface <b>48</b> and do not protrude above it.

The apparatus <b>30</b> also includes means, generally designated as <b>60</b>, for releaseably and adjustably securing the hitch coupling <b>10</b> to the elongated member <b>32</b>. In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, such securing means <b>60</b> includes a plate-like member <b>62</b> having a pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces <b>64</b> and <b>66</b>. Two (2) flanges <b>68</b> are disposed substantially perpendicular to one of the pair of opposed substantially planar surfaces of the plate-like member <b>62</b>, referenced as <b>64</b> and best shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Flanges <b>68</b> extend in the vertical direction during use and are spaced from each other at a predetermined distance for slideably receiving the elongated member <b>32</b> therebetween. Preferably, at least the inner surface <b>72</b> of each flange <b>62</b> is substantially planar for cooperating with the substantially planar side surfaces <b>34</b> of the elongated member <b>32</b>. The flanges <b>68</b> may be secured to or formed integral with the plate-like member <b>62</b>. The inner surface <b>72</b> may abut a respective side surface <b>34</b> or a predetermined clearance may be formed therebetween as best shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

At least a pair of apertures <b>74</b> is provided, with each aperture <b>74</b> formed through a respective flange <b>68</b> in alignment with one another. It is presently preferred to provide two (2) vertically spaced apertures <b>74</b> in each flange <b>68</b> to enhance alignment and vertical stability of the hitch coupling <b>10</b>. To secure the hitch coupling <b>10</b> of the towing vehicle <b>2</b> to the plate-like member <b>62</b>, plurality of threaded apertures or bores <b>76</b> are formed in the plate-like member <b>62</b> in alignment with the apertures <b>12</b> of the hitch coupling <b>10</b>.

In use, the elongated member <b>32</b> of the presently preferred embodiment is first secured to the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of truck frame <b>4</b>. To achieve this, the original hitch coupling <b>10</b> (if provided with the truck <b>2</b>) is removed from the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of the truck frame <b>4</b> by first removing the fasteners <b>14</b>. Then, the original hitch coupling <b>10</b> is secured with fasteners to the surface <b>66</b> of the plate-like member <b>62</b>. The elongated member <b>32</b> is secured, preferably with fasteners <b>51</b> to the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of truck frame <b>4</b>. Next, the plate-like member <b>62</b> is positioned so that the elongated member <b>32</b> is received between the flanges <b>68</b>. The apertures <b>74</b> are aligned with apertures <b>38</b>. Advantageously, use of elongated recesses <b>52</b> enables positioning of the outer edges of the flanges <b>68</b> in close proximity to the surface <b>48</b> of the base member <b>44</b> thus reducing the cost and size of the apparatus <b>30</b>. Conventional locking pin or pins <b>18</b>, best shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, are inserted through aligned apertures <b>74</b> and <b>38</b>. It would be appreciated that the user may elect to first couple the hitch coupling of the towed vehicle (not shown) with the hitch coupling <b>10</b> prior to inserting the locking pin or pins <b>18</b> in order to select the desired height of such coupling arrangement. Or the user may elect to adjust the height after the coupling. When the user needs to adjust the position of the hitch coupling <b>10</b>, the user removes the locking pin or pins <b>18</b>, repositions the plate like member <b>62</b> in a generally sliding motion and in a vertical direction to accommodate specific types of the towed trailer or vehicle (not shown).

The present invention also provides means for enhancing lateral stability of the apparatus <b>30</b> when the towed trailer or vehicle (not shown) is being backed into a storage or parking position. It is well known that in these conditions the longitudinal axis of such towed trailer or vehicle (not shown) often disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle <b>2</b> thus resulting in higher lateral forces being exerted onto the coupling arrangement and, particularly onto the attachment of the elongated member <b>32</b> to the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of the truck frame <b>4</b>. Accordingly, a pair of apertures <b>78</b> is formed through the base member <b>44</b> generally parallel and preferably in close proximity to the top edge <b>49</b> thereof. Each aperture <b>78</b> is also preferably positioned in close proximity to a respective top corner of the plate like member <b>44</b> in order to increase spacing therebetween. Complimentary threaded apertures or bores <b>80</b>, only one of which is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, are then provided in the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of the truck frame <b>4</b> and a pair of fasteners <b>82</b> is used to additionally secure the base member <b>44</b> to the rear frame surface <b>6</b> of the truck frame <b>4</b>. Thus, the apparatus <b>30</b> provides for increased resistance of the elongated member <b>32</b> to lateral forces present during use of the apparatus <b>30</b> of the present invention.

Although the present invention has been shown in terms of the use of the apparatus <b>30</b> on medium-size trucks having the hitch coupling secured to the rear surface <b>6</b> of the frame <b>4</b>, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be applied to other vehicles. For example, the elongated member <b>32</b> can be secured in a vertical direction to the conventional hitch socket of the conventional passenger vehicle by adopting the elongated member <b>32</b> with an attachment member forming an L-shape or T-shape of such elongated member <b>32</b>.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to form the hitch coupling <b>10</b> integral with the plate-like member <b>62</b> which may be advantageous to reduce manufacturing and installation costs. It would be appreciated that the mounting flange of the hitch coupling <b>10</b> will essentially replace the plate-like member <b>62</b>. Same configuration can be achieved by adapting the mounting plate of the hitch coupling <b>10</b> with a pair of outwardly extending and spaced-apart flanges <b>68</b>.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.